Apple TV Plus: Hidden Gems You’re Missing Out On

You want to cut the cord, save money on entertainment, and find great shows, but the world of streaming can feel overwhelming. With so many options, identifying true value is tough. You might overlook some excellent services while trying to balance cost and content. This guide focuses on Apple TV Plus, a premium streaming service often misunderstood, showing you its unique value and the high-quality, often critically acclaimed shows it offers.

What Makes Apple TV Plus Unique?

When you consider streaming services, you likely think of Netflix, Hulu, or Max. Apple TV Plus, an award-winning service, according to PCMag, operates differently. It distinguishes itself by prioritizing quality over sheer volume. While other platforms boast vast libraries of licensed and original content, Apple TV Plus focuses almost exclusively on “Apple originals,” which are shows and movies produced or co-produced by Apple itself. This means you will not find a rotating catalog of old movies or syndicated TV shows. Instead, you get a curated selection of prestige dramas, comedies, documentaries, and films.

This approach benefits you directly. Every production receives a substantial budget and high production values, often resembling cinematic releases. The result is consistently stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and a premium viewing experience. If you value a smaller, carefully selected library of top-tier content without the clutter of filler, Apple TV Plus deserves your attention. Many of these shows quickly gain critical acclaim and devoted fan bases, making them true hidden gems in the broader streaming landscape.

Understanding Apple TV Plus Pricing and Value

For cost-conscious viewers, understanding pricing is paramount. Apple TV Plus offers a straightforward, single-tier subscription model. There are no confusing ad-supported or ad-free versions to choose from. When you subscribe, you get an entirely ad-free streaming experience. This means uninterrupted viewing of all its content, a significant advantage over services that require you to pay extra to remove commercials.

The monthly cost for Apple TV Plus is consistently among the most competitive in the premium streaming space, often undercutting rivals like Netflix and Max. While prices can change, the service typically costs around $9.99 per month. You also have the option to save money by purchasing an annual subscription, which frequently offers a discount compared to paying month-to-month. For example, an annual plan might cost approximately $99 per year, effectively giving you two months free compared to the monthly rate.

Beyond direct subscriptions, Apple TV Plus often comes bundled with other Apple services through “Apple One.” If you use Apple Music, iCloud storage, or Apple Arcade, an Apple One bundle can provide substantial savings, granting you access to Apple TV Plus and several other services at a reduced combined price. You can often get a free trial of Apple TV Plus for seven days, allowing you to explore the content before committing financially. Furthermore, if you purchase a new Apple device like an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may receive an extended free trial, sometimes lasting three months or more.

To put its value in perspective, let us compare Apple TV Plus’s typical offerings with two other popular services, noting that streaming prices and features frequently change:

This table illustrates that Apple TV Plus offers premium features like ad-free viewing and generous simultaneous streams at a highly competitive price, especially when considering its strict focus on original, high-budget productions. If you want an ad-free experience without a hefty price tag, Apple TV Plus presents a compelling option.

“The real value in a streaming service is not just the number of shows, but the number of shows you actually want to watch and the quality of that viewing experience. Apple TV Plus excels in delivering premium, ad-free content.”

Discovering Apple TV Plus Hidden Gems Worth Watching

Apple TV Plus truly shines with its original programming. Many of these shows, while critically lauded, do not always capture the same mainstream buzz as some other platforms’ offerings. This makes them perfect “hidden gems” for you to discover. Each one showcases the platform’s commitment to compelling narratives and high production quality. Here are some of the best shows on Apple TV Plus that are truly worth your time, providing unique and memorable Apple streaming experiences.

Severance: A Mind-Bending Thriller

Severance presents a chilling vision of corporate control where employees undergo a surgical procedure to separate their work memories from their personal lives. When they are at work, they have no recollection of their outside lives. When they leave, they forget everything about their job. This psychological thriller is expertly crafted, blending mystery, dark humor, and unsettling social commentary. The performances are exceptional, the direction is stylized and precise, and the plot keeps you guessing with every twist. If you enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi and shows that spark discussion, Severance is a must-watch Apple original.

For All Mankind: Epic Alternate History Sci-Fi

Imagine a world where the global space race never ended. That is the premise of For All Mankind, an ambitious alternate history series that begins with the Soviet Union landing on the moon before the United States. This event ignites a continuous, intense competition between nations, pushing humanity further into space exploration, radically changing history and society. The show blends historical figures with fictional characters, delivering compelling drama, stunning visual effects, and a sense of awe for space. It is a grand, multi-generational saga that tackles complex themes of progress, sacrifice, and the human spirit, making it one of the most underrated best shows on Apple TV Plus.

Pachinko: A Beautiful, Sprawling Saga

Based on the acclaimed novel, Pachinko tells an epic story of a Korean immigrant family across four generations, encompassing love, loss, resilience, and triumph. Set against the backdrop of Japanese occupation of Korea and the struggles of Koreans in Japan, the series is a profound exploration of identity and belonging. It is a visually breathtaking production, meticulously detailed, and features powerful performances. The narrative weaves between different timelines, offering a rich, emotional experience that resonates deeply. If you appreciate historical dramas with significant cultural depth and a personal touch, this Apple TV Plus hidden gem is worth watching.

Slow Horses: Sharp Espionage with Humor

For fans of intelligent spy thrillers with a sardonic edge, Slow Horses is a perfect fit. It follows a team of disgraced MI5 agents exiled to “Slough House,” a bureaucratic purgatory led by the brilliant but repulsive Jackson Lamb, played by Gary Oldman. Despite their perceived failures, these agents often stumble upon actual conspiracies and find themselves embroiled in high-stakes espionage. The show combines tense spy action with dark humor and witty dialogue, creating a refreshing take on the genre. It offers excellent writing and character development, providing a gritty, realistic, yet often funny, look at the world of British intelligence.

Silo: A Dystopian Mystery

In a toxic future, humanity lives in a giant underground silo, operating under strict rules enforced by a mysterious governing power. No one knows why the silo was built, or what lies outside. Those who question the rules face a grim fate: being sent outside to clean the sensors, never to return. Silo is a gripping dystopian mystery that unravels the secrets of this enclosed world through the eyes of Juliette Nichols, an engineer who dares to seek the truth. The series excels at building suspense, crafting a unique visual aesthetic, and maintaining a pervasive sense of intrigue. It is a captivating watch for anyone who loves a good puzzle box narrative and world-building.

Mythic Quest: The Smart Workplace Comedy

If you are looking for a clever and heartfelt comedy, Mythic Quest is an absolute delight. It centers on the eccentric team behind a hugely successful multiplayer video game, navigating the challenges of game development, corporate politics, and personal relationships. The show is sharp, witty, and surprisingly insightful about the creative process and the complexities of human interaction, especially in a high-pressure environment. It stands out for its strong ensemble cast, brilliant writing, and episodes that often deviate to explore character backstories or broader industry themes. It delivers laughs while also offering genuine emotional depth.

Maximizing Your Apple TV Plus Experience

Getting the most out of your Apple TV Plus subscription involves understanding its features and how to access content. Once you subscribe, you can stream content on a wide array of devices. This includes Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple TV streaming devices, and Macs, but also many other platforms. You can watch on smart TVs (a television with built-in internet connection and apps) from brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, and Panasonic. Popular streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, PlayStation, and Xbox also support the Apple TV app. This broad compatibility ensures you can enjoy your shows on almost any screen in your home.

Apple TV Plus supports up to six simultaneous streams with a single subscription, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple viewers. This means different family members can watch different shows at the same time on their own devices without interruption. You can also utilize Family Sharing, allowing up to five other family members to access your subscription without any extra cost. Each family member can create their own profile, ensuring personalized recommendations and watch histories.

Since Apple TV Plus content is “on-demand,” meaning you watch whatever you want, whenever you want, you can binge-watch entire seasons or catch up on individual episodes at your convenience. Some shows release episodes weekly, while others drop full seasons at once. Keep an eye on new releases within the app, as Apple consistently adds new Apple originals and movies to its growing library.

Is Apple TV Plus Worth It for Your Entertainment Budget?

Deciding if Apple TV Plus is worth your money depends on your specific viewing habits and priorities. For viewers who prioritize a vast library of varied content, including licensed movies and older TV shows, other services might initially seem more appealing. However, if you value high-quality, ad-free original programming and a cinematic viewing experience, Apple TV Plus offers exceptional value.

Pros:

• Unmatched Production Quality: Every show and movie boasts cinematic visuals and top-tier storytelling.
• Completely Ad-Free: Enjoy uninterrupted viewing without paying extra.
• Competitive Price Point: Often cheaper than comparable ad-free tiers of other services.
• Generous Simultaneous Streams: Up to six streams for families.
• Family Sharing: Easily share your subscription with up to five others.
• Critical Acclaim: Many Apple TV Plus originals win major awards and widespread praise.

Cons:

• Smaller Library: The service focuses exclusively on originals, meaning fewer options overall compared to content giants.
• No Licensed Back Catalog: You will not find classic movies or popular shows from other networks.

Apple TV Plus is best for you if:

• You appreciate prestige television and movies with high production values.
• You prefer an ad-free viewing experience without a premium price tag.
• Your household has multiple viewers who want to stream simultaneously.
• You are looking for a supplementary service to complement a broader library from another platform.
• You are already invested in the Apple ecosystem and can benefit from Apple One bundles or device promotions.

Ultimately, the “best” streaming service is subjective, but Apple TV Plus carves out a strong niche by consistently delivering premium content at an accessible price. Its hidden gems are worth watching for anyone seeking quality over quantity.

Comparing Apple TV Plus to Other Top Streaming Services

Understanding where Apple TV Plus fits into the broader streaming landscape helps you make informed choices. Many people are engaged in “cord-cutting,” which means canceling traditional cable or satellite TV in favor of streaming services. This shift makes it critical to evaluate each service’s distinct offering.

Unlike Netflix or Max, which offer vast catalogs of both original and licensed content spanning decades, Apple TV Plus specializes in its own high-budget Apple originals. This means you do not subscribe to Apple TV Plus for a breadth of options, but for a depth of quality in its specific productions. While Netflix aims to be a one-stop shop for diverse tastes, and Max bundles premium HBO content with Warner Bros. Discovery offerings, Apple TV Plus targets discerning viewers who appreciate cinematic storytelling.

Hulu, with its focus on current broadcast and cable TV shows, provides a different type of value. Paramount+ and Peacock also offer specific network content and their own originals. Apple TV Plus largely avoids this direct competition by cultivating its own distinct brand of premium programming, making it a unique addition rather than a direct replacement for other comprehensive services. If you already subscribe to one or two other services for broader entertainment, Apple TV Plus serves as an excellent, affordable complement, offering exclusive, critically acclaimed shows that you simply cannot find anywhere else. It fills a niche for those who want to watch specific, high-end Apple streaming productions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the absolute best shows on Apple TV Plus?

While “best” is subjective, universally acclaimed Apple originals include “Severance,” “For All Mankind,” “Ted Lasso,” “Pachinko,” “Slow Horses,” and “Silo.” These shows consistently receive high praise for their writing, acting, and production quality, offering diverse genres from sci-fi to comedy and drama.

Can I watch Apple TV Plus without Apple devices?

Yes, absolutely. You can watch Apple TV Plus on a wide range of non-Apple devices. This includes smart TVs from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, and Sony, as well as popular streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. You can also watch through a web browser on any computer.

Is Apple TV Plus included with Apple Music?

No, Apple TV Plus is not automatically included with a standalone Apple Music subscription. However, if you subscribe to an Apple One bundle, which combines multiple Apple services, Apple TV Plus is often part of the package. This can offer a cost-effective way to get both Apple Music and Apple TV Plus, along with other services like iCloud storage and Apple Arcade.

Does Apple TV Plus offer 4K HDR content?

Yes, nearly all Apple originals on Apple TV Plus are available in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (HDR), including Dolby Vision and sometimes HDR10+. This commitment to high-quality video and audio provides a premium viewing experience, assuming your smart TV or streaming device and internet connection support these formats.

How do I cancel my Apple TV Plus subscription?

You can cancel your Apple TV Plus subscription through the Settings app on an Apple device, via the Apple TV app on supported non-Apple devices, or by visiting tv.apple.com in a web browser. Navigate to your account settings, find “Subscriptions,” and follow the prompts to manage or cancel your membership. Make sure to cancel before your next billing cycle to avoid unwanted charges.

Disclaimer: Streaming service prices, content libraries, and features change frequently. Prices shown were accurate at time of writing but may have changed. Always verify current pricing on the official service website before subscribing.